A lot of the speculation swirling around Drummond — and point guard Reggie Jackson — is based on the league-wide perception that the Pistons have underperformed so they must be open to a move.

But the Pistons (27-30) are one game off last season's pace when they were considered an up-and-coming team. Their first game out of the NBA All-Star break comes Thursday night when the Charlotte Hornets visit the Palace.

Drummond is in the first year of the five-year, $127 million maximum contract he signed last summer. That brings amazement that the Pistons could be considering a move after such a massive commitment.

But one thing to remember about Drummond trade rumors — the center and rebounding specialist is tight with Pistons owner Tom Gores.